Favorite Moments from the Papal Mass in D.C.

Pope Francis’ first Mass in the United States had many highlights for team Busted Halo®, on assignment in Washington, D.C. Here are some of our favorite moments from the day.

First, the BIG one, which needs no introduction …

As Pope Francis entered the Mass, people cheered, waved, and snapped photos of the smiling, waving pontiff. Our team was right in the mix, grabbing the “waving” video above, taking photos, and catching a memorable glimpse of the “Pope of the People” greeting the crowds

The Canonization Mass of Junípero Serra was filled with beautiful music, moving prayers, and a stirring homily from Pope Francis. We especially appreciated the reading of Isaiah 52:7-10 in the Chochenyo Native American Language. Here is a portion of the reading in English:

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
Announcing peace, bearing good news,
Announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
Your God is King!

The Universal Prayer of the Mass was read in several languages, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Igbo, Creole, and signed in American Sign Language. The many languages represented the great diversity in the Archdiocess of Washington and throughout the Catholic Church in the United States.

The pope’s homily was a commissioning that encouraged all those in attendance and listening to avoid slowing down because of apathy and indifference. Pope Francis called us to move forward and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Here are a few quotes from his homily:

We don’t want apathy to guide our lives… or do we? We don’t want the force of habit to rule our life… or do we? So we ought to ask ourselves: What can we do to keep our heart from growing numb, becoming anesthetized? How do we make the joy of the Gospel increase and take deeper root in our lives?

We are heirs to the bold missionary spirit of so many men and women who preferred not to be “shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security… within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). We are indebted to a tradition, a chain of witnesses who have made it possible for the good news of the Gospel to be, in every generation, both “good” and “news”.

Father Serra had a motto which inspired his life and work, a saying he lived his life by: siempre adelante! Keep moving forward! For him, this was the way to continue experiencing the joy of the Gospel, to keep his heart from growing numb, from being anesthetized.

Colorful umbrellas signal where communion will be served. Photo by Jennifer Sawyer

Busted Halo® took our #Popeful campaign to the crowds at the Mass, giving away cool #Popeful shades (very helpful on what was a bright and sunny day!) and asking people what they are #Popeful for! Join in on Twitter and tweet @bustedhalo with #Popeful.

The day’s energy was electric. Despite long lines and bright sun, everyone had a smile on their face when they started talking about Pope Francis. It was an historic moment, one filled with emotion, reverence, and great joy at the first visit of Pope Francis to Washington, D.C., and the United States. We know more joy awaits in the coming days, so stay tuned and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as Busted Halo® covers the pope’s visit to New York City and Philadelphia.